Associate - Conservation Architecture - Oxford

Description

• Manage project teams effectively: mentor, delegate tasks, oversee work, and actively develop the capabilities and potential of assistants, architects, and senior architects, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Act as project lead through all RIBA stages, managing projects day-to-day to programme and fee budget, ensuring alignment with practice quality standards and achieving agreed project gross margin targets.
• Prepare and coordinate high-quality project documentation, ensuring clarity and technical accuracy.
• Represent the practice professionally (talks, events, publications, award submissions).
• Manage monthly project invoicing rigorously to achieve personal/team targets proactively manage project debtors to achieve targets
• Contribute to achieving the Studio's net profit margin target through effective project and resource management.
• Coordinate project team outputs seamlessly with the wider consultant team.
• Maintains up-to-date H&S competency such as through RIBA H&S test or CSCS card
• Develop and nurture key client contacts strategically to generate repeat business and new leads.
• Act as the primary client contact, building strong relationships leading to high levels of client satisfaction and repeat business/referrals.
• Contribute proactively to wider practice management (team/Associate meetings, SLT input).
• Identify and implement project efficiencies and service level adjustments while maintaining quality and profitability.
• Mentor and potentially line manage colleagues, supporting skills development, career progression, and enabling team succession.

Requirements

• Maintains competency in CDM Principal Designer and Building Regulations Principal Designer role, ideally completed RIBA Principal Designer course
• Strong commercial acumen and aptitude for business management, including project financial control and fee negotiation.
• Developed networking and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational, planning, and analytical skills.
• Proactive & Strategic Thinker.
• Excellent client-facing communication, negotiation, and presentation skills (visual, written, spoken).
• ARB Registered Architect with significant post-qualification experience (typically 6+ years), including demonstrated experience (e.g., 2-3+ years) successfully leading and managing architectural project teams.
• AABC or RIBA (SCA) accredited, preferred but not essential.
• Proven experience successfully managing complex architectural projects, delivering client satisfaction and profitability.
• Ability to deliver high-quality bids and successfully interpret client briefs.
• Strategic and conceptual thinking ability related to projects, teams, and client development.
• Strong ability to lead, manage, mentor, and develop individuals and teams.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance